The Madera County Arts Council has provided arts education in Madera County schools for nearly three decades. The following is one of five interviews with graduates from area schools who are now making a living — or plan to make a living — in the arts.

The Madera County Arts Council will hold its 30th Anniversary Party, celebrating artists such as Wade Beckett, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 23 in Hatfield Hall at the Madera County Fairgrounds. Tickets are available at Circle Gallery. Call 661-7005 for information.

Wade Beckett, 39

Occupation: Television producer

Where did you go to school/ degrees held? Beckett graduated from Madera High School in 1992 and took general education classes at Fresno State before transferring to San Francisco State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in cinema there in 1996.

What are you currently working on? Beckett is the executive producer of Sports Nation, a live daily television show about sports and pop culture on ESPN. “Right now I’m very happy,” he said. “ESPN is one of the go-to networks. Guys love sports and guys love ESPN, so I’m living a dream come true.” ...